Name the Primary Colors and Why Are These Colors Called So?

The traditional primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. These are called primary because they cannot be created by mixing other colors together; instead, they serve as the foundation for creating all other colors through mixing.

In the context of light (additive color mixing, as in screens), the primary colors are red, green, and blue (RGB). In art and pigment mixing (subtractive color mixing), the primary colors are red, yellow, and blue (RYB).

Real-World Example

Mixing red and yellow gives orange, yellow and blue give green, and blue and red give purple—these are secondary colors derived from the primaries.

Actionable Insights

• Knowing primary colors is essential for artists, designers, and anyone working with color theory.
• Understanding the difference between additive and subtractive mixing is key in digital and print media.